Meet Local Licenced Conveyancer: Lucy Chiddey

Conveyancing is the legal process of buying or selling a house and transferring ownership. We asked local conveyancer Lucy Chiddey from Holdens Law to take us through the conveyancing process and explain how engaging a local conveyancing solicitor can help make your move quicker and easier.

Q As a local conveyancer, what’s your role in the homebuying process?

As a licensed conveyancer, it’s my responsibility to ensure all the legal aspects of the property transaction are handled efficiently and correctly. I’m there to help clients navigate the complex conveyancing process and guide them through any issues which might arise. From initial instruction to final completion, I’ll be there for my clients every step of the way:

1. Instructions: I take instructions from our clients to obtain initial information, which will help me assess how best to help you with your purchase.

2. Pre-Contract Stage: I then request a contract pack from the seller’s Solicitor and review the draft contract and supporting documents that it contains. I then request searches and raise enquiries with the seller’s conveyancer to clarify any issues.

3. Report to the Client: Next I prepare a detailed report for the client which includes the legal title, search results, mortgage (if applicable), and the response to any enquiries that I raised I make sure this information is easy to read and digest and always check that the client has understood everything and is happy to proceed. 

4. Signing the Contract: Once all enquiries are complete, I send the contract documents to the client to sign ready for exchange of contracts.

5. Exchange of Contracts: With the client’s authority, I will proceed to exchange contracts, making the sale and the chosen completion date legally binding.

6. Completion: On the completion date, I’ll send the purchase funds to the seller's conveyancer. Once the funds are received, the purchase has been legally completed and I can call the client to confirm that the keys are available to collect. 

7. Post-Completion: Finally, I ensure that any Stamp Duty Land Tax is paid and register the buyer as the new owner with the Land Registry.

Q Can I use Holdens for both my home sale and my onward purchase?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, we recommend that you instruct us for your sale and onward purchase as it streamlines the process, because we can ensure that both your transactions progress together and are ready to complete at the same time. 

Q What sort of properties does Holdens Law deal with? 

We deal with any residential property, including most leasehold flats, leasehold houses, shared ownership properties, freehold houses and new build properties. Basically, if the property is residential, Holdens can help. 

As a local conveyancing solicitor, we generally deal with standard semi-detached homes, but we can also handle everything from a £2.15m rural farmhouse with land to listed buildings and historic houses dating back to the 1800s.

Q Why should I choose a local conveyancing solicitor rather than a cheaper online conveyancing firm?

By choosing a local conveyancing solicitor, you receive a more personal service, with an office you can visit in person should you need to. The majority of our service can be provided electronically or by post if you prefer, or if you don’t live locally. We may not be the cheapest firm, but we offer a high level of service to our clients, which is reflected in our fees. 

Q Can I use Holdens if I’m moving into the area and selling elsewhere, or moving out of the area and buying elsewhere?

Yes, we may be a local conveyancing solicitor, but we’re able to deal with any residential properties anywhere in England and Wales. With access to Google Maps and online services, we can deal with properties anywhere, so it doesn’t matter if the properties you’re buying and selling are not within the same area. 

Q What would you say is the biggest challenge for homebuyers/sellers at the moment, and how can Holdens help overcome this?

One of the biggest challenges in the current market is navigating the economic uncertainties that affect property prices and mortgage rates. As your local conveyancing solicitors, Holdens Law are here to help guide you through the conveyancing process and navigate these uncertainties. We are pride ourselves on providing an honest and approachable service that’s tailored to our clients’ needs, with clear, straightforward advice. 

Q How can you and your team help to make the process go smoothly?

We’re here to help and guide our clients, keeping them updated and offering advice every step of the way so that nothing is unexpected. We’re honest with our timescales, we keep all information clear and concise, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Q How can the client help the conveyancing process go smoother/faster?

To keep up momentum on a sale or purchase, clients need to respond to requests for information as quickly as possible. We work proactively, letting our clients know what we need from them and chasing up if something remains outstanding. We do the same with the other party’s solicitors if anything is outstanding, so there are no unnecessary delays. 

Q Finally, what do you think makes Holdens different when it comes to conveyancing?

Our clients are the most important thing to us. We know that behind each transaction, there’s a client who’s hitting a milestone in life, and we’re always sensitive to this. Whether you’re buying your first home and excited to get the keys, or you’re feeling emotional about selling a much-loved family home to downsize. As your local conveyancing solicitor, we make it our business to understand your situation and guide you through the process appropriately, with professional expertise and empathy.